RELATED LINKS
Hardwood Lumber Grading By The NHLA
FAS (FIRST AND SECONDS)
Provides long, wide, clear cuttings. Best suited for high quality work. Must yield 83-1/3% to 100% clear wood in cuttings at least 3″ x 7′ or 4″ x 5.’
SELECT & BETTER
Both faces of the board are used in determining this grade. Best face must meet FAS, reverse must essentially grade No. 1 Common.
NO. 1 COMMON
Provides clear cuttings of medium length and width. Includes a range of boards which will yield from 66-2/3% to 83-1/3% clear wood in minimum sized cuttings at least 3″ x 3′ or 4″ x 2.’
NHLA Grading Rules
| FAS | F1F | S | #1 COM | #2A & #2B | #3A COM | #3B COM | FAS Limits | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Size Board | 6″ X 8′ | Same as FAS for species being graded | 4″ X 6′ | 3″ X 4′ | 3″ X 4′ | 3″ X 4′ | 3″ X 4′ | Pith: SM in inches
Wane: 1/2 Length Knot: 1/3 SM Warp: Entire board must be flat enough to Splits: Not to exceed 2 x SM or 12″, whichever is Splits shall not First Lineal Rule: Applies to both ends of board. To contain not less than 50% |
Wane in FAS 1 FACE
FAS limitation applies to Better Face. #1 Common side: 1/3 W or 1/2 L Widest wane added together; Length can be on both edges Wane in Selects
Pcs. 6″ & Wider: FAS limitation applies to Better Face. #1 Common side: 1/3 W or 1/2 L Widest wane added together; Length can be on both edges. Pcs. 4″ & 5″ Wider: NOTE: This chart summarizes the main requirements for the standard grades. For complete information, consult the appropriate |
| Minimum Size Cutting | 4″ X 5′ 3″ X 7′ |
Better Face to Grade FAS
Poor Face to Grade #1 Common |
4″ X 2′ 3″ X 3′ |
3″ X 2′ | 3″ X 2′ | Not less than 1-1/2″ wide containing 36 sq. inches | |||
| Basic Yield | SM X 10 83-1/3% |
SM X 8 66-23% |
SM X 6 50% |
SM X 4 33-1/3% |
SM X 3 25% |
||||
| Formula To Determine Number of Cuts | SM 4 (4 max) |
SM + 1 3 (5 max) |
SM 2 (7 max) |
Unlimited | Unlimited sound cuttings | ||||
| SM Needed To Take Extra Cutting | 6-15′ SM | 3-10′ SM | YES | ||||||
| Extra Yield Needed For Extra Cutting | SM X 11 91-2/3% |
SM X 9 75% |
YES | ||||||
| Special Yields | 97% Rule – 2 cuts full widths any length; Pieces 6″ & wider with 6-12′ SM SM X 11.64 for yield |
97% rule on better face | 97% rule on better face 2′ X 3′
SM to be 100% clear of SM X 11 in one cutting |
1′ SM – 100% 2′ SM – SM X 9 |
1′ SM – SM X 8
#2A Com – Clear cuttings |
#2A Com on better face and reverse side of cuttings sound; will also qualify for 3A Com | |||